This Homemade Lasagna Recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a family dinner or special occasion, packed with flavor and baked to perfection. The best part? It’s simple to make, and you can customize it with your favorite fillings or keep it traditional with a classic meat sauce.
Follow these steps to create a delicious lasagna that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Rich & Comforting: Layers of seasoned beef, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella make this lasagna a delicious, hearty meal.
- Family Favorite: A go-to recipe for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time or freeze it for future use.
- Customizable: You can easily add veggies, change the type of meat, or make a vegetarian version.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Lasagna
1. Lasagna Noodles
- Either traditional or no-boil lasagna noodles work for this recipe. Cook traditional noodles until al dente, or skip boiling with no-boil noodles.
2. Ground Beef or Sausage
- Ground beef is a classic option, but you can also use Italian sausage or a combination for extra flavor.
3. Ricotta Cheese
- Ricotta adds a creamy layer to the lasagna. You can substitute cottage cheese if desired.
4. Mozzarella Cheese
- Mozzarella gives the lasagna its gooey, cheesy topping. Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt.
5. Parmesan Cheese
- Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the lasagna and complements the mozzarella.
6. Tomato Sauce
- A good-quality tomato sauce or marinara is essential for flavoring the meat sauce. You can make your own or use store-bought.
7. Herbs & Seasonings
- Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, along with garlic, bring out the flavors in the sauce and ricotta layers.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna
This easy homemade lasagna recipe results in a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Cook 12 lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. If you’re using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in 3 cups of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay down a layer of 3 lasagna noodles.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella until you have three layers, ending with a final layer of noodles and the remaining sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Let It Rest
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Step 8: Serve
- Slice and serve the lasagna hot, garnished with extra parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Lasagna
1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
- Grate your mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
2. Let It Rest
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking ensures the layers hold together when sliced.
3. Customize the Fillings
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the layers for added flavor and nutrition.
4. Make It Ahead
- Assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming from the fridge.
5. Freeze for Later
- Lasagna freezes well. Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Lasagna
- Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms for a veggie-packed lasagna.
2. Cheesy Lasagna
- For an extra cheesy lasagna, add a layer of provolone cheese or mix in some shredded cheddar along with the mozzarella.
3. White Sauce Lasagna
- Replace the tomato sauce with a creamy béchamel sauce for a rich and indulgent white lasagna.
4. Gluten-Free Lasagna
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thin slices of zucchini in place of the traditional noodles for a gluten-free version.
FAQs: Homemade Lasagna
1. Can I Make Lasagna in Advance?
- Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if the lasagna is cold.
2. How Should I Reheat Lasagna?
- Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal.
3. Can I Freeze Lasagna?
- Yes, lasagna freezes beautifully. Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
4. What Should I Serve with Lasagna?
- Serve lasagna with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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